What Are The Things To Do In Galle Fort, Sri Lanka? Exploring A UNESCO Heritage Site

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ancient Temples! Colonial Architecture! The Serene Kandy Lake! Beautiful Gardens! And, the Bustling Crowd! All these and more things to do in Kandy make it the cultural and historical capital of Sri Lanka.  And this time, it’s about the Colombo to Kandy distance.  It is now more important to know about the modes of travel because Cyclone Ditwah has devastated the Sri Lankan railway infrastructure, including the Colombo to Kandy route.  So, explore the options.  What Is The Colombo To Kandy Distance? The distance between Colombo and Kandy is around 121 km. The travel time by road through the Kandy Road is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.  However, the travel time will depend on the mode of transport you choose.  So, here is a quick summary. Modes of Transfer from Colombo to KandyTravel Time By Car3 Hours and 30 MinutesBy Train2.5 to 3.5 HoursBy BusAbout 4 Hours Furthermore, from Kandy, you can enjoy the most scenic train ride on the Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway through the Nine-Arch Bridge.  Also, Kandy is well-connected to Habarana by train. And Habarana is the gateway to cultural attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock and Ritigala Forest Monastery.  You can even go on a wildlife safari from Kandy to the Kaudulla National Park. How To Travel From Colombo To Kandy?  You can travel from Colombo to Kandy by bus, private transfer, or train. Here are the details.  1. How To Travel From Colombo To Candy By Train? Unfortunately, the Colombo to Kandy train route is still under renovation. So, if you are traveling to Sri Lanka anytime soon, you will not be able to take the train service.  However, according to a report published on Adaderana.lk, a leading 24x7 news portal of Sri Lanka, the train service on this route will resume within 1 year.  In this report dated 11th January, 2026, Prasanna Gunasena, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, has further confirmed that the authority is taking every possible measure to restore the services.  2. What Is The Colombo To Kandy Bus Service? The Colombo to Kandy bus service operates from the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to the Kandy Good Shed Bus Station.  Bus services are available every 30 minutes, and the travel time by these buses is around 4 hours.  Furthermore, the ticket for the public bus services from Colombo to Kandy costs about 157 LKR, and the tickets for the AC buses can cost close to 3000 LKR.  Also, the public bus service from Colombo to Kandy (Route No: 1) starts from 3:30 AM and the last bus departs at 11 PM.  3. Private Transfers From Colombo To Kandy  Starting from my days in Jaffna to now, this Colombo to Kandy journey, I have always opted for budget-friendly modes of transport in Sri Lanka.  However, if budget is not a constraint for you, you can choose a private transfer from the Sri Lankan capital to the cultural epicenter.  The private rental for this route will cost you around 9000-13000 LKR, and you will also find many online options.  Moreover, if you want the safest option to travel between Colombo and Kandy by road, you can opt for the Uber service.  Yes, it is expensive as the services start from around 48000 LKR, and it is the price for the Uber Go Intercity rentals.  The Uber Sedan Intercity and the UberXL Intercity services cost even more.  What Is The Best Time For A Colombo To Kandy Trip?  Kandy’s central location in Sri Lanka’s highlands gives it a cooler and wetter climate compared to the surrounding lowland coasts.  Plan your trip to Kandy during the right time of the year to get the most out of your visit. The Best Time To Visit  The best time to visit Kandy is between the months of January and April due to the warm temperature and low humidity.  This time frame has the least amount of rain, which is essential for planning out sightseeing activities. The Monsoons The climate of this region is heavily influenced by the monsoon seasons.  The unpredictable weather can be a challenge during the months of May to July and October to December.  A visit in November has the advantage of having fewer tourists compared to other months; however, consistent rain can make visiting outdoor attractions difficult. Important Travel Advice Kandy is extremely busy during the Sinhalese New Year, which occurs twice a year in April.  Avoid traveling during this week as all public and road travel will be extremely congested due to the celebratory travel of the locals.  This will create a frustrating and overwhelming spike in logistical travel obstacles. What Are The Places To Visit On The Route From Colombo To Kandy?  The drive from Colombo to Kandy takes you on an enjoyable journey through beautiful scenery as you travel uphill from a busy, urban environment to the lush tea plantations and mountain peaks shrouded with mist.  If you plan to take this trip, there are many places where you will want to stop so that you can appreciate what is known as the "Gateway to the Hill Country." 1. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the best-known detention centers for orphaned elephants in the world and has been established for many years.  Now that you know the date, I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of your visit so that you can watch the elephants walk from the orphanage to the Maha Oya River to have their daily bath. 2. The Ambuluwawa Tower The Ambuluwawa Tower is a great location for Wright Brothers-style views of the area.  It is located within a short distance of Gampola. It is at a multi-religious complex, and this unique white spiral structure offers an exciting, narrow ascent with amazing 360-degree views of the entire central highlands. 3. The Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel  It is a tunnel chiseled from the rock on your way towards Kandy, and also has a legend that British soldiers cut this tunnel so that they could fulfill a prophecy.  The prophecy said that "Those who pierced the mountains will be the ones who take Kandy." 4. The Bible Rock Bible Rock is a flat-topped mountain that is shaped like an open book.  You can spot it at the Kadugannewa Pass. Dawson Tower stands atop the pass; this is a white column built to commemorate the British Engineer who created the road.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

The thing is, everyone said "Do 'The Loop'" when I told them about Hakone.  You know the train, cable car, ropeway, and pirate ship circuit.  However, after a few days wandering those forested, winding trails through the volcanic hills, I saw what the crowd missed.  The real magic isn't in the itinerary.  It's in the quiet moments like washing cash in a waterfall, or soaking feet by a Shiba Inu.  It is hard to ignore how deeply those small things connect to the place.  If you've got more than a day or just want to break free from tourist traffic, step off the path. That's where Hakone lives. And here are the things to do in Hakone. What Are The Things To Do In Hakone?  Hakone is the place that defines TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy. Rush the day, and you miss the magic.  So, without going for ticking a bucket list, here are the things to do in Hakone that offer an immersive experience. 1. Visiting The Open Air Art Museum: A Playground For The Soul This was the one event I'd been hoping for, and it didn't fall short.  Picture 70,000 square meters of green space packed with over 100 huge sculptures. Some of them are traditional Henry Moore bronzes, and others are wild, experimental setups like a giant head with "living hair" grown from plants.  I found a figure lying on its back in the grass at one point.  After weeks in Tokyo's busy streets, that moment felt like a personal hit.  The museum includes a Picasso Pavilion holding 300 pieces.  I don't really dig Picasso much and only skimmed it, but if you're into cubism, you'll be thrilled.  It is open every day of the year, and there is no schedule to worry about.  Try it if you want to walk around without carrying anything heavy. 2. Playing Football With A Furry Friend Soaking feet in mineral water, quiet, simple, real.  The Hakonenomori Footbath isn't on the map like most spots.  It's tucked into a private garden behind a house, hidden from sight.  Google Maps calls it a footbath, but that's not what it really is.  You pay a small amount and get to dip your feet in spring water with a clean towel provided.  Dogs are welcome with no rules, no fuss.  I showed up just as Monaka, a shiba Inu, hesitated over the edge.  Her owners nudged her gently with their hands and voices.  She stayed still, paws raised, like she didn't know where to go.  That moment stopped me in my tracks. If you don't like being naked at an onsen, this feels safe and low-key. 3. The Art of "Ma": Finding The Perfect Onsen But Ma, the pause, is central in Japan. Hakone is where you feel it most.  The Loop can be done in a day from Tokyo, but you miss the real soak.  I stayed at Mount View Hakone. It was cheap but had great facilities.  Public baths were indoors and out.  The highlight was booking a private onsen for solo use.  Tattoos still draw caution in Japan. If you've got ink, go private.  Tenzan Onsen in Hakone-Yumoto is known for being tattoo-friendly, though rules are tight, usually just one inked person per group. 4. Washing Away Your Financial Woes Who doesn't crave wealth on a break?  I stepped off the train at Tonosawa Station and spotted the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine right there on the platform.  It's small, tiny even, so glance, and you'll miss it.  The thing is, locals follow a real tradition. They bring a ladle, drop yen in, then rinse it in the mini waterfall.  The legend goes that whatever money you wash and spend later comes back to you, bigger.  I haven't seen my account blow up yet. Still, the ritual feels oddly peaceful. Hard to ignore how quiet everything is. 5. My Absolute Favorite: The Hundreds Of Faces At Choan-ji I really don't know what the rest of the world is doing. This place should be in every guide, as Choan-ji Shrine is just amazing.  The area comprises hundreds of small stone statues of monks, and each one of them has a unique facial expression, laughing, angry, or even a surprised one.  Wandering through the moss-covered statues, I got lost in the silence for a whole hour.  By 5 PM, there were only two more visitors around. It was like a really peaceful place.  Pro Tip: Use insect repellent! The mosquitoes here are as loyal to the shrine as the monks are. 6.  Enjoy The Magic Of The Local Bus This may sound strange, but amongst my top three experiences, one was just traveling by bus.  Though the Hakone Tozan train is famous, it is usually crowded beyond capacity.  I chose to take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto to the ropeway.  For half an hour, the bus ride gave me dozens of gorgeous, twisting mountain scenes which I wouldn't have been able to see from the train.  It was in this bus trip that something glittering blinked at me through the windows. A group of trees glistened like they were covered in thousands of small diamonds.  Then, I signaled to the driver and got out at the stop door without hesitation. Also, to my great surprise, I was standing in front of the Venetian Glass Museum. 7.  Visit The Glass Trees And Blue Beer The Venetian Glass Museum (or Hakone Glass-no-Mori) looks like something Disney would have created if they relocated to Italy.  There are bushes with glass flowers and "Crystal Trees" that sparkle brightly in the sunlight.  It is enchanting, glamorous, and exceedingly informative at the same time.  In case you have extra time, I also suggest the Pola Museum of Art. You must also visit the Narukawa Art Museum. Moreover, the cafe here features a wonderful "Mount Fuji" view, and their famous blue beer comes in a Fuji-shaped glass. 8. Live The Dreams Of Anime Fans And The Wine-Bathers If you're into Evangelion, Hakone is your Mecca (after all, it's the location for Tokyo-3).  At the station, you can spot the themed vending machines as well as the EVA-Ya store.  Also, if you are with your friends, don't do what I did and miss out on Yunessun.  It's an Onsen theme park where you can wear a swimsuit and even take a bath in red wine or coffee.  This time, I was alone and felt a little shy about wine-bathing solo, but next time it is definitely at the top of my list. Read Also: What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Time Traveler? 10+ Attractions You Cannot Miss In 2026 Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

After spending time in the northern city of Jaffna exploring everything it has to offer, I was looking forward to relaxing.  Jaffna has some beautiful temples, and despite being a slow travel destination, the rich Tamil culture and history offered a fulfilling experience.  However, I needed a place where I could relax and soak in the memories I have collected there. I intended to enjoy just those "beachy" times when I arrived at Trincomalee, and that is exactly what I found on the Uppuveli Beach.  This was the ultimate "holiday within my backpacking trip," and completely different from the beaches in Jaffna. Where Is The Uppuveli Beach? Uppuveli Beach is in Trincomalee. On the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, it is further the epicenter if you are exploring the things to do in Trincomalee.  The distance between the Uppuveli Beach and the Trincomalee city center is just 6 kilometers. So, you can reach within a drive of just 15 minutes.  Moreover, it is famous for the beauty of the Bay of Bengal, and from here you can explore nearby attractions such as the Pigeon Island Marine National Park and Swami Rock. How To Reach Uppuveli Beach From Trincomalee? The Blue Bus Experience? You can travel from Jaffna to Trincomalee by bus like me. Trincomalee, anyway, is a major transport hub.  Furthermore, it is well-connected to Colombo, Kandy, and even Habarana, which is the major gateway to many other things to see in Sri Lanka, such as the Hurulu Eco Park, Sigiriya Rock, the Pidurangala Rock, and the Kaudulla National Park.  I reached Trincomalee from Jaffna by bus within 4 hours and 50 minutes. However, our driver, Ahoy, said that on days of dense traffic, it can take up to 5 hours and 30 minutes.  Travel From Jaffna To Trincomalee By Bus The blue buses from Jaffna to Trincomalee are the cheapest mode of transport. The ticket cost roughly 1100 LKR.  From Trincomalee To Uppuveli Beach  From the Trincomalee Bus Station, I took a tuk-tuk to the Uppuveli Beach. The tuk-tuk driver charged me 500 LKR.  The Experience At Uppuveli Beach  Uppuveli Beach is the place that offers you simplicity, and here, you will forget keeping track of your time.  You can swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the beauty of the golden hour, or just soak in the beauty of golden hour or count the waves like me.  The Golden Hour See a sunset on the beach while it’s still dark out.  Uppuveli faces the east, and it offers an amazing view of the Bay of Bengal when the sun rises.  The sky looks like it’s on fire with shades of pink and gold lighting up the clouds.  The Waves The waves were huge when I was there in July. The waves here rise really high above your head and can definitely knock you over if you don’t pay attention to them when swimming.  If you can catch the waves just right, they are also great for body surfing. As always, be respectful of the Indian Ocean.  What Are The Things To Do At Uppuveli Beach? Uppuveli offers a serene alternative to the more crowded southern beaches.  Boasting breathtaking turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in harmony with one another, Uppuveli is a welcoming community that exudes a sense of calm. 1. Marine Adventures At Pigeon Island Marine National Park The number one attraction in Uppuveli is Pigeon Island Marine National Park.  A 20-minute boat ride from the beach will take you to Pigeon Island, a protected sanctuary surrounded by colorful and lively coral reefs.  Pigeon Island is famous as one of the three places in the world where you can see black-tip reef sharks and giant sea turtles in the shallow waters (up to 12 feet).  You may also dive deeper by visiting several local dive shops that operate daily excursions to the Uppuveli Pinnacles and the famous shipwrecks in and around Uppuveli.  Local dive shops also provide excursions between March and September to boat watch for blue whales and pods of spinning dolphins. 2. Visit The Cultural Landmarks Of Swami Rock You may take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Swami Rock Temple located in Trincomalee town.  Swami Rock is perched on a cliff and provides some of the best views of the ocean as you look towards the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, which is located in the middle of the cliff and overlooks Trincomalee Harbor. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is a great example of intricate Dravidian-style architecture.  In addition to the temple at Swami Rock, you will also see Lover’s Leap, which is nearby and steeped in local folklore. 3. Visit Fort Frederick And Find Spotted Deer On your way to the Koneswaram Temple, be sure to visit Fort Frederick. It is a 17th-century fortress built by the Portuguese.  Fort Frederick today is a peaceful area. It has many spotted deer, and you can see them roaming freely between colonial buildings and massive banyan trees. 4. Kanniya Hot Water Springs For something unique, head inland to the Kanniya Hot Water Springs.  There are seven stone wells here, each producing water at a slightly different temperature.  It’s a traditional site for ritual bathing. Also, people believe that water here has healing properties. Moreover, at Uppuveli Beach, you can have the best dining and drinking experience thanks to places such as Fernando’s Bar, Rice 'n' Curry, and Cafe on the 18th. Also, you will find Wanderers Hostel and other budget-friendly places to stay near the Uppuveli Beach.  When Is The Best Time To Visit Uppuveli Beach?  The best time to visit Uppuveli Beach is between February and August, and July is the peak month.  From August, the ocean starts getting a little rougher.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, it is best to hit the beach when it is still dark. Thus, you can enjoy the magic of the sunrise.  Also, if you want a drink by the sea, 3:30 PM to 4 PM will be the best. As you gulp down some cold Lion Lager, the Sun prepares to go to rest for the day.